Summary
The Mazda MPV has 36 recalls spanning the 1989–2009 production run, with the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect on 2005–2006 models where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The 2004 model year has two separate airbag concerns: the front passenger airbag was improperly wired and may not deploy in a crash, and an incorrect tire pressure label showed a lower inflation figure than required, which can lead to chronic underinflation. The 2003 model year has a fog light socket that can loosen from heat expansion and drop inside the bumper, and in rare cases the heat can char the bumper material. On 2002 models, a prior emissions repair could result in the PCV hose being rerouted incorrectly, causing moisture to freeze inside the hose and the throttle valve to ice over in very cold weather. The 2001 model year has two issues: a cruise control actuator cable that can break and interfere with the accelerator cable, preventing engine speed from dropping when the driver lifts off the throttle, and a front passenger airbag whose inflator diffuser can separate from improper welds so that the bag fails to inflate in a frontal crash.
The 2000 model year carries the heaviest recall load of any single year in this run. Fuel injectors that do not match the intake manifold can leak fuel and create a fire risk in the engine compartment. On vehicles equipped with a 2.5L V6, the throttle valve can freeze at extreme cold temperatures and prevent engine speed from dropping when releasing the accelerator, though the brake pedal can bring the vehicle to a stop. The rear door child lock linkage can accumulate dust and fail to latch fully, allowing the door to open while driving. Non-ABS models have a brake pipe layout that does not meet partial-failure stopping distance requirements. The liftgate stay dampers can rust and seize so that the stud bolts snap off, causing the liftgate to drop suddenly during opening or closing.
Going further back, the 1991 model has rear brake linings that can increase in friction as they wear, causing unpredictable braking and premature anti-lock brake activation, and the front seatbelt buckle release buttons can crack and drop pieces into the buckle assembly, preventing the belt from latching or releasing properly. The 1990 model has a related rear brake friction issue on ABS-equipped vehicles where the unexpected anti-lock activation can startle the driver. The 1989 model year has three concerns: rear brakes that can become overly aggressive at low speed and lock the rear wheels, an ignition switch that can develop an electrical short and cause smoke or fire, and a vacuum brake booster check valve that can stick in cold temperatures and reduce power-assisted braking after the first application. The 1989 model also has third-row center seat belt attachment brackets that may not hold under the required load in a crash.
